Description
Add a crisp, colorful side to your holiday spread with these Thanksgiving Green Beans. This easy recipe features perfectly blanched green beans tossed in garlicky olive oil and finished with toasted almonds, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s the perfect balance to rich holiday dishes and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Whether you’re searching for a quick Thanksgiving side, a healthy snack, or light dinner ideas, this simple yet elegant vegetable dish delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes or new food ideas for the season.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
2. Toast almonds and pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Add butter if using.
5. Toss in the toasted nuts. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh green beans for the best texture and color; avoid canned or overly frozen ones.
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens up the entire dish beautifully.
Toast the nuts separately for a more intense, nutty flavor and better crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving side, green beans, holiday vegetables, quick sides, healthy side dish, easy recipe